Female in Motion

The alarm went off on Sunday morning. As I cracked my eyes open, there was no dawn--only dark, cold, wet. And the wind! It rattled the windows and made the most nimble trees creak. I hit the snooze button once, twice, three times before exiting bed. Padding around the kitchen in my robe and slippers, I dawdled over feeding the cats and making coffee. Later, I delayed taking a shower, knowing the cold tile awaited. It was plain--I didn't want to leave the warmth and comfort of my home. I did make it to church, and as we listened to the pastor deliver the sermon, I whispered to The Hubster, "I'm so glad I'm here." As winter deepens, most of us will spend more time indoors, away from the cold. When life, and people, are hard, it seems easier to stay safe at home. Shutting ourselves away from the world allows us to "feel" safer. But are we, really? God did not place us in this world to be comfortable. We are to confront the culture, not isolate o...

Rolling hills of Missouri by Debbie Wray Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)   I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. Despair is all around us. Hopeless feelings from the election, the economic situation and approaching holidays build up in our hearts and bring us down. This year has been a tough one. When your heart hurts and your soul is sad and your body is exhausted--look up. God is ready and willing to provide His hope and His help. The Creator of the universe is waiting for a word from you. He wants to shelter and protect you. Let Him do what He does best. *** Notable Quote: "O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."--Helen ...

I attended a United Methodist Women's meeting with my mom last year. She was leading the group that night, and shared the following story: "The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day, he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?,' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke si...

Trying on pieces from my latest Dia box. #diaandco Psalm 119:103 (KJV) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Recently, I enrolled in a personal shopping service, called Dia&Co . Four times annually, they send me a box full of clothing, specifically selected for me, according to my profile. I try on every piece, keep the ones I like, and send back the rest. I am only charged for what I retain. It’s a handy solution, for someone who doesn’t have time to shop.   God's Word is customized and tailored, specifically for us. When we study the Bible, different things stand out to us, than to others. It is a subjective experience. A roomful of people could read the same passage and get a roomful of opinions on what it meant to them. Our Father wants us to digest His Word, and ruminate on it. When we truly dig in, the Bible opens up and we see that it is alive. I believe that is how the Word becomes individualized.  ...